Effect

Generation IV

Stealth Rock sets an entry hazard around the target Pokémon. Pokémon on the target's field receive damage upon switching in. The amount of damage inflicted upon switching in is affected by type effectiveness against Rock. It also does not stack if multiple layers are set. It does not damage Pokémon with the Ability Magic Guard. The moves Rapid Spin and Defog remove the effect of Stealth Rock; Rapid Spin removes Stealth Rock set around the Rapid Spinner while Defog removes Stealth Rock set around the target of Defog.

Generation V

Generation VI

In an Inverse Battle, Stealth Rock uses the inverted weakness and resistance to Rock to calculate damage. Stealth Rock is unaffected by strong winds.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

The user will lay a Stealth Rock tile. If any opposing Pokémon steps on the tile, they will receive damage. When the player uses Stealth Rock, the trap is hidden until a Pokémon activates it and has no effect on the user or allies; however, if the opposing Pokémon uses this move, this trap will be visible to player so that it can be avoided. Unlike the main series games, the damage dealt by Stealth Rock does not depend on weakness or resistance. However, Stealth Rock tile cannot be laid under one-tile ways and the entrance of a room.

In the anime

Onix's body becomes surrounded in several silver glitters that grow larger and fire around the battlefield. The energy then grows larger and forms into pointed gray rocks that sit on the ground. When the opponent sends out another Pokémon, the rocks around it rise into the air, glow white, and crush the opponent.

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Onix raises its tail into the air and waves it back and forth. Multiple pointed rocks from all around the battlefield then rise up into the air and float in a circular pattern. When the opponent sends out another Pokémon into the battle, the rocks that were floating into the air suddenly fall to the ground, then shoot at the opponent with the pointed ends stabbing it.